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An interview with
William Jenkins
William Jenkins gives a hilariously frank account of his service on HMS Emerald and HMS...
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A veteran interview with
Buster Brown
From a flat-topped landing craft bristling with anti-aircraft guns, Buster Brown saw D-Day, the Gooseberry line and the fierce Walcheren landings first-hand. In his interview he tells the story of a young wireman who went against his father’s wishes to join the Navy and found himself at the heart of history.
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About Buster Brown
Henry William “Buster” Brown grew up during the Second World War, evacuated as a child and training later as an apprentice electrical engineer. Determined not to end up in the mines, he went against his father’s wishes and volunteered for the Royal Navy. His skills as a wireman saw him posted to a specially adapted Landing Craft Flak — a flat-topped vessel bristling with anti-aircraft guns and manned by a close-knit crew of sailors and Royal Marines.
In his interview, Buster recalls training in Combined Operations, landing on Sword Beach on D-Day and almost immediately being placed in charge of 12 German prisoners. He describes patrolling the Gooseberry line off the Normandy coast under shellfire, cramped and damp life aboard LCF 39, and the loss of close friends. He recounts rescuing men from HMS Swift after she struck a mine, and the ferocious fighting of the Walcheren landings to open up Antwerp.
Buster’s story ends with his memories of VE Day and an unexpected posting to America — a vivid, humorous and heartfelt account of a remarkable naval career.
Credits
Interviewed by:
Martin Bisiker
Reviewed by:
Hannah Bowers
Transcripts:
Please note that transcripts and closed captions in the video player are automatically generated by Vimeo.
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A veteran interview with
Buster Brown
From a flat-topped landing craft bristling with anti-aircraft guns, Buster Brown saw D-Day, the Gooseberry line and the fierce Walcheren landings first-hand. In his interview he tells the story of a young wireman who went against his father’s wishes to join the Navy and found himself at the heart of history.
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